Although National Bullying Awareness Month has come to an end, bullying is still experienced throughout the entire world, every day, as well as right here in Green Level High School. This week, we will be focusing on what types of bullying are out there, why it is important to be aware of these types, and how to react.

According to the National Centre Against Bullying, the types of bullying are physical, verbal, social, and cyber. These types of bullying can lead to even more serious types of assault and hate crimes, as stated by VeryWellFamily. Ms. Denman, the counseling intern at Green Level, says that “The different types of bullying are cyberbullying, which is very huge and very prevalent, verbal bullying and teasing. It’s important to be aware of what type of bullying is taking place because it’s happening, things are taking place, and it’s important to understand what’s going on so you can help prevent bullying and be an upstander.” Megan Gungor, a freshman at Green Level High, explained, “Sometimes people bully people because they’re either jealous or envious or they have a hard home life.”

Physical bullying is one common type of bullying. Hitting, kicking, and damaging property would all fall under this category. Gungor advises that, “If a person is being physically bullied, tell a trusted adult. Don’t tell someone you don’t really know, even friends can’t help you do a lot, because they might guide you in the wrong direction. Just always go to a trusted adult.” 

Verbal bullying would include insults, teasing, and name-calling. Something to note is that this type of bullying can start off harmless and be told from a friend to friend, but can escalate to much more dangerous levels. It is important to refrain from any verbal bullying at all, as anything can be taken in the wrong way. Gungor says that “I feel like verbal bullying is not as bad as social bullying, but hearing those words every day and constantly, persuade you to think that what they’re saying is true.”

Social Bullying is typically done to cause humiliation or harm somebody’s social reputation. This would include socially excluding someone, lying, and spreading rumors. This type of bullying may be hard to identify, as the victim may not even know they are being bullied, or who the bully is. Gungor says that, “When you’re being left out of the group, that means you think most of society is going to leave you out.”

Cyber Bullying is related to using digital technology and can include sending hurtful texts, videos, or other forms of digital media, using others’ logins, and many more. This form has risen with the digital age. Ms. Denman points out that “Bullying takes forms in many different forms. Cyberbullying is just very big right now: make sure to report it if it’s happening, the more you ignore it the more it will continue to persist and expand.” Something Gungor notes as being especially hard about cyberbullying is that “you may not know who the person is when you are being cyberbullied.”

If you ever need to report any form of bullying, whether it is happening to you or somebody you know, tell any staff, administrator, teacher, or adult. According to Ms. Denman, “There is always a way you can take a stand, and whatever form of bullying is taking place, it’s always harmful and hurtful, so students should always tell adults.”

This is The Gator’s Eye last article for Bullying Awareness Month, but bullying never ends. Let’s support each other and have each other’s backs in times of need!